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Is cat meat illegal in the United States?

Yes. Cat meat is banned in the United States. A 2018 federal law bans killing or selling cats or dogs for food.

Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act, in the 2018 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 115-334 s.12515, signed 20 Dec 2018), 7 USC 2160: no knowingly slaughtering, selling or transporting a dog or cat for human consumption; $5,000 per violation (Cornell LII, read 15 Oct 2026).

Source: 7 USC 2160 (2018 Farm Bill)

• The United States is one of 5 countries where cat meat is banned, and 4 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 2.
• In North America: banned in 1 of 17 countries.

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Other countries that ban cat meat

AustriaGermanySpainKazakhstanAll 5 on the map ›

What else is banned in the United States